Cork callout for PPE
Supplies are running dangerously low for a number of Cork organisations who are crying out for additional personal protection equipment (PPE).
Nursing homes, and other organisations which provide care and support for vulnerable people, are running out of crucial items such as masks, gloves, hand sanitisers and aprons.
Calls have been made to the Government to ensure that nursing homes in particular have the equipment they need to cope with the Covid-19 emergency, however, worry remains high amongst staff who are not considered “frontline workers” by the HSE.
This week Meals on Wheels in Farranree, which provides meals and social support to those in the local community who need it most, put out a public request for help in acquiring additional PPE.
Christine Walsh, who volunteers with the service, told the Cork Independent that smaller organisations such as hers are finding it very difficult to get the equipment they need to carry out their work safely.
“A lady came all the way from Glenville and met me in Dunnes Stores up in Ballyvolane to give me ten masks that you can wash and put the filter in. She was so good. The lads were delighted with them,” said Ms Walsh.
Last week Meals on Wheels in Farranree delivered 115 meals to people too afraid to leave their homes.
Ms Walsh said: “We're not classed as frontliners, but we actually are. The poor people are horrified. People are asking for it because they're afraid to go out.”
Speaking about the people who volunteer with her, Christine said: “The lads are outstanding. They’ve never once cribbed. All heroes don't wear capes.
“I went in one day and they said 'c'mere, where's our capes?'. They're the heroes of the frontliners.”
The call was also answered for the residents and staff at Cramers Court Nursing Home in Belgooly, Kinsale who received a special delivery of essential PPE equipment and an assortment of Easter eggs from nearby pharmaceutical company, Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Activities Coordinator at Cramers Court Nursing Home, Teresa O'Donovan said they were delighted with the “incredibly kind gesture”.
“It was a tremendous show of community spirit and we thank them for it. Having this special delivery escorted by the community gardaí meant there was great excitement across the home, and we felt it was thoroughly deserving of a guard of honour by staff,” said Ms O’Donovan.
In the Dáil this week, Sinn Féin called on Minister for Health Simon Harris to ensure that nursing home staff have the required PPE during the Covid-19 emergency.
Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould said: “I have been engaging with nursing homes in Cork that are running very low on equipment.
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“They are crying out for PPE. Staff are doing their best under very trying conditions, but they are extremely worried.”
Deputy Gould continued: “The situation as regards nursing homes has become particularly acute in recent weeks.”
Meanwhile, a new website designed to help frontline clinicians around the world who are in danger of running out of PPE, is now active.
The site, covidmedsupply.org, matches doctors and organisations in need of PPE with people, companies and other organisations who can provide it.
Any member of the public who wishes to offer their service in delivery of the supplies can also add their name, location and mode of transport to the website.
Doctors and organisations in need of supplies in Cork include:
Douglas Nursing and Retirement Home – disposable gloves, disposable aprons/gowns, disposable masks, scrubs
Dr H Kelleher GP in Cobh – disposable stethoscopes, hand sanitiser
Ballincurrig Care Centre in Leamlara – disposable gloves
South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital – unspecific/general PPE
Church Hill Dental in Carrigaline - disposable gloves, face masks, hand sanitiser, scrubs